Senior Apparel Designer - 12-Month Maternity Cover

Rapha launched in 2004 to redefine cycling apparel. Today progressive design and storytelling has built a global movement.

We love cycling in all its forms, from the city streets to the highest peaks. And we know its power to transform lives. Led by innovation, we embody this love through a dedication to the world's greatest sport, by setting a new standard in design and pushing the cutting edge of performance and human craft.

Senior Apparel Designer

We are hiring a Senior Apparel Designer (12-Month Maternity Cover) to lead the design of innovative cycling collections that unite style, performance and brand identity at the highest level. In this senior role, you’ll shape products across multiple cycling disciplines, creating designs that inspire our global community and set new benchmarks in performance apparel.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape the creative direction of seasonal collections, including fabrics, trims, and cohesive product stories.

• Design performance-driven products for multiple cycling disciplines, from endurance to racing.

• Partner with in-house sampling, product development, materials, and sourcing teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.

• Create accurate CADs, specifications, and fit details for all products.

• Work with the color team to develop strong narratives and storytelling.

• Ensure fit consistency and commercial viability across product lines.

• Use research, first hand testing, and rider feedback to refine designs and ensure performance.

• Transform innovative ideas into ready-to-market products through careful planning and execution.

• Manage time effectively across projects to align with business goals and regional needs.

• Collaborate with downstream teams to ensure successful product launches.

About You

• 6+ years’ experience in the performance outdoor industry or cycling industry.

• Skilled in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CLO 3D for garment design and visualization.

• Strong design storytelling ability, with a passion for cycling and deep knowledge of the sport.

• Proven track record of delivering innovative, performance-driven products while balancing commercial needs.

• Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills, with experience working across teams and partners.

• Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure, integrating feedback and meeting tight deadlines.

• Creative, flexible, and proactive problem-solver with a results-oriented mindset.

• Strong awareness of industry trends, competitors, and opportunities for innovation.

Working at Rapha

We are continuously looking into ways to invest in our employees and build a better working culture and environment. Here are just some of the internal benefits we offer:

• Flexible working hours
  
• Support for ad-hoc remote working during the week - minimum 4 days in office
• 25 days annual leave
• 2 additional days paid time off to participate in a sportive or similar related cycling event
• A flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle through our Getting Started Scheme
• An annual clothing allowance of £1,120 for testing and promotional purpose
• A company bonus scheme
• A health cash plan provided by Healthshield worth up to £1405 per year
• Mental health support with MyndUp
• Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office
• Subsidised lunches 3 days per week
• Monthly department social events and quarterly office social away days
• Bike racing expenses up to £35 per race entry
• A 50% staff discount and a discount for family and friends
• Industry discounts on brands such as Patagonia, Osprey, Finisterre, Wahoo
• Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Company Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Leave and Pay